Christmas shopping - support small and local businesses

Christmas is always a difficult time of year, throw in a recession and people trying to not spend so much and you've got yourself in a little pickle. Fret not people. I have managed to find some great buys this year which do NOT involve Boots 3 for 2 (or M&S), those bath products we really secretly hate or that autobiography/DVD that is just truly terrible (and going straight to the charity shop). No, I have managed to get all of my gifts this year using independent boutiques and have been thrilled with the outcome (plus it makes shopping much less stressful and, shock, enjoyable).

Here goes.... for me traipsing round Selfridges at this time of year is just too much for me to bear. I don't know about you but just where do all of the people come from?! And then you wonder if you're getting a good deal or not... So, I assessed what my hubby needed and thought of the brand I wanted for him (Hugo Boss). I then did a little research online and found a great site for the men in my life who like a sprinking of luxury (I am a 'less is more' kinda gal and buying two or three great gifts rather than 10 rubbish ones) - it's called Wheelers - they were really helpful and although the delivery was not as efficient as BoBelle's , I was pleased with the packaging and with their customer service. It is a little find, I think!

The next was a site I found was when I was speaking to someone on Twitter and they are called Gift Genies - they have a site that seemingly they feature products on that are that little bit different. We always buy a couple of serious gifts and then always a jokey one at our household. Gift Genies has some great, funny and novel ideas that are just a little bit quirky; perfect! They link the product to the sellers site and it is a great platform to find independent retailers who have put some serious thought into their buying. I am against the following dull gifts; socks, stale Ferrero Rocher (what is that about?!), Baylis and Harding bubble bath. Gift Genies offer ideas that have a little thought to them.

Now, I am going to let you into a little secret....I don't normally shop at 'discount stores' but when I was searching for the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream in a pot (rather than in the white tube) I came across a site (excuse the terrible name)...Cheap Smells - obviously I did some research to check it was legitimate and seemingly I think that their service was excellent (not to mention the price). They don't carry much stock but they do have a few classy finds (FAR better than 3 for 2 at Boots...)

Food is always a winner with our household and at Lidgates (Holland Park Avenue) I will be getting my Nan one of their famous pies (truly scrummy) which is ideal for her on Boxing Day, along witha photograph of her and I from the summer. Jeroboams on Holland Park Avenue have some gorgeous home made delights and these are great for spoiling my family with (beats Tesco any day).

Daunt Books is a favourite of mine; they have the most wonderful array of books there and the knowledge of the staff makes a visit there just so enjoyable. Although you might be screaming 'Amazon' at me - take a minute to think of the difference you will make to the shop owner by spending your money there rather than at a multinational. If you can't do that at Christmas, then when can you?!

Businesses, and small ones at that, really do need your support this year especially. If you want to see them still on your high street (or now they tend to be off the main streets) then shop with them! They can help you find the perfect gift at a particular price. They will probably even give you a discount and gift wrap free of charge. Don't be afraid to shop at boutiques, they won't bite! The buyers scour the shows trying to find the best fashions for you and charge the most honest and fair price. They might not be Topshop or H&M (one of my worst nightmares is to be wearing the same dress as someone at an event), instead they have gone out and set up on their own and we should be encouraging that entrepreneurial flair and embrace individuality.

Have a wonderful Christmas everybody and happy shopping!

Day 3 at Vogue Online Fashion Week - FREE Demeter with every Chiswick sold!

Today it is Day 3 at Vogue Online Fashion Week and to celebrate BoBelle London are giving away a FREE Demeter travel wallet/business card holder/Oyster card holder with every Chiswick Handbag sold!

The Demeter is perfect (it is one of our most popular styles) as it is ever so soft and oh-so handy. Store your cards in style and get rid of your tatty freebie IKEA Oyster card holder now! The Demeter is true luxury, and it is free! Just add your Chiswick Handbag to your basket and the Demeter will be sent in the same delivery.

Our fave of the Chiswick is the Rioja Red, but classic Black is always a winner too. Try our Deep Purple and we guarantee you will be smitten. Eel skin leather is incredibly soft; you'll sit stroking it and will become an instant fan, not to mention the envy of all around you.

Take advantage of this great offer today knowing that 20% of the sale is going to charity.

Enjoy!

BoBelle London and Vogue Online Fashion Week

BoBelle London is thrilled to announce that it is taking part in Vogue's first ever Online Fashion Week.

Today is Day 2 and we wanted to share our secret - 15% off all orders placed at BoBelle London!! Simply enter 'voguebobelle' into the promotional code at the checkout et voila, the discount is yours.

So the Brackenbury Satchel you fancied? Send to your other half to get for Christmas. Your best friend's gift? Thrill her with our Apollo iphone case. Your Mum? She will adore our Theia Clutch or Aphrodite Wallet. Your brother? The Zeus wallet or ipad2 case. Sorted - and with 15% off what's not to love?

And to top it off - we are giving 20% of proceeds to charity - so you're doing a doubly good deed.

Happy Shopping!

Love, BoBelle x

BoBelle London's Easy Gift Guide

With the final payday before Christmas now behind us, it is time for Christmas shopping to start in earnest! Here at BoBelle London we’ve all been busy taking advantage of some of the fabulous gifts in our Boutique, where you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.

With prices starting from as little as £12, there’s something to suit every budget; from quirky stocking fillers to chic wallets and handbags.

If you’re looking for little extras for a loved one, then the Apollo iPhone case or Demeter card holder (perfect for credit cards, business cards and your Oyster card) are great for men and women of all ages, and are guaranteed to add a dash of elegance to any Christmas morning.

The Nyx coin purse or Hestia keyring purse are ideal for stockings for a girl of any age – practical and beautiful, yet fun and unique at the same time!

If you’re looking for something for the man/woman who has everything (including a brand new iPad 2), then our gorgeous Atlas case comes in a variety of colours, all handmade using luxuriously soft eel skin leather.

For the fashionista of the family, why not make her the envy of her friends with the gorgeous new Brackenbury satchel, and matching wallet? Available in rioja red, light grey and mocha, you can choose the perfect colour for them!

Then there’s always that tricky-to-buy-for man. Whether it’s your boyfriend, husband, brother, father or father-in-law, we all have one. This year solve your problem, and treat him to the classic Zeus wallet. Available in black or cherry chocolate, any man will feel lucky to have one! And it’s got to be better than socks. Again.

Finally, for all the women you need to buy for, there’s BoBelle London’s specialty – beautiful and long-lasting purses and handbags. No woman can ever have too many, especially when they’re as stunning as ours. Whether you choose the Chloe, Aphrodite, Hemera or Chiswick, it’s sure to become a staple of her wardrobe, something she’ll treasure forever.

To help you out a little extra, BoBelle London is hosting a very special shopping evening at our New Quebec Street boutique, on Thursday December 15^th, when we’ll open a little later than usual, and you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine, while getting all your shopping done in one fell swoop. And with a special discount too. Lovely!